MPD: Shooting victim dies; suspect still at large

Published 1:49 pm, Saturday, May 17, 2014

A Midland man died late Thursday night from a gunshot wound he suffered in a shooting that morning.

Alfred Lee Hemphill, 54, died from his injuries at about 10:30 p.m. in a Lubbock hospital.

Midland Police and Fire departments found Hemphill inside his residence in the 500 block of West Cowden Avenue with a gunshot wound to the head. Public safety officials responded to a shots-fired call at 8:39 a.m., according to an MPD report. Public information officer Sara Higgins said MPD is investigating the shooting as a homicide and the suspect, who is still at large, will be charged with murder.

Police continued its search for the suspect Friday. He was described as a 5-foot-11 black male who weighs about 175 pounds. He was said to be wearing a gray hoodie and light gray pants at the time of the incident.

Witnesses said the suspect was dropped off at the scene by the driver of a black car with a rear spoiler, then fled the scene on foot.

Thursday’s incident was the second non-self-inflicted shooting-related death in Midland this year.

A Midland firefighter died April 25 at Midland Memorial Hospital after a five-hour-long armed standoff and apparent murder-suicide.

Midland police and firefighters found Henry “Trey” Rodriquez III, 35, with life-threatening gunshot wounds when they arrived at a residence in the 2200 block of South Baird Street at about 2:33 p.m. He was transported to MMH, where he died, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram article.

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Midland, Odessa crime statistics

MIDLAND

Murder/manslaughter by negligence:

2014: 1

2013: 5

2012: 4

2011: 4

2010: 3

Other crimes 2011-2013

Crime 2011 2012 2013

Forcible rape 20 23 22

Robbery 58 52 63

Aggravated assault 252 321 260

Burglary 715 559 568

Theft 2,435 2,313 2,459

Auto theft 137 136 164

Murder/manslaughter by negligence 4 4 5

2014 shootings

April 25 (Note: City public information officer Sara Higgins said the suspect will be charged with murder.